Since 2010, Formula 1 has used a system that generously rewards victory while maintaining interest for all top 10 positions.

Points Awarded in the Main Race

Scoring Analysis

The gap between positions is calculated to encourage attacking:

• Win vs 2nd: +7 points (maximum gap)
• 2nd vs 3rd: +3 points
• 9th vs 10th: +1 point

This structure means a driver who wins every other race equals a driver who consistently finishes 2nd and 3rd.

The Fastest Lap Point

Since 2019, a bonus point is awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap, provided they finish in the top 10.

Conditions for awarding:

• Set the fastest lap of the race
• Finish in the top 10
• Not have been disqualified

Strategic impact:

• Some teams sacrifice a late pit stop to attempt the fastest lap
• In 2021, this bonus point nearly proved decisive in the Verstappen-Hamilton battle

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Introduced in 2021, sprint races add a new dimension to the points system.

Evolution of the Sprint Format

Current Sprint Scoring

Maximum Points Per Sprint Weekend

A sprint weekend allows scoring up to 34 points:

• Main race: 25 + 1 (fastest lap) = 26 points
• Sprint: 8 points
• Total: 34 points

Compared to 26 points for a standard weekend.

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The Constructors' Championship adds the points of both drivers from each team.

Financial Importance

The constructors' standings determine F1 revenue distribution:

In numbers: The difference between 1st and 10th place can represent $100+ million per year.

Team Strategies

This structure influences tactical decisions:

• Team orders: Letting the better-placed teammate pass
• Risk management: Preferring two P4s over a win + retirement
• Season finale: Securing constructors' position vs risking for driver's title

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F1 scoring has undergone numerous changes since the championship's creation.

The Different Systems (1950-2025)

FL = Fastest Lap (1 bonus point from 1950 to 1959)

Reasons for Changes

1991 (9→10 for victory): To better reward winning after years of conservative calculations.

2003 (extension to 8 drivers): To reward more positions and maintain sporting interest for midfield teams.

2010 (switch to 25 points): Major reform aimed at:

• Making each victory more decisive
• Discouraging ultra-conservative strategies
• Creating more gap between winner and runner-up

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Interrupted Races

When a race cannot be completed to 75% of its planned distance, points are reduced:

Famous example: 2021 Belgian GP, only 2 laps completed behind the Safety Car. Half points awarded (Max Verstappen: 12.5 points).

Disqualifications and Penalties

Points can be removed after the fact:

• Technical disqualification: 0 points (e.g., underweight, non-compliant fuel)
• Championship exclusion: All points voided (not applied since 1997)

The Best Results Counting System

Until 1990, only the best results counted toward the championship:

Advantage: Allowed "dropping" mechanical retirements Disadvantage: Made calculations very complex

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Championship Mathematics

Typical end-of-season scenario:

• Leader A: 300 points, 3 races remaining
• Challenger B: 280 points

Maximum available points: 3 × 26 = 78 points

B must score an average of 7 more points than A per race to become champion.

"Lost Points"

Teams calculate "lost points" compared to theoretical maximum:

The "Mathematically Eliminated" Effect

A driver is eliminated from the championship when they can no longer catch the leader even by winning all remaining races.

Formula: Leader_Points - Challenger_Points > Remaining_Races × 26

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Formula E

Formula E awards points for pole position (3 points), which F1 does not.

MotoGP

MotoGP rewards up to 15th place and has more progressive gaps between positions.

WEC (Endurance)

WEC uses a different system with variable points based on race duration (more points for Le Mans).

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Criticisms of the Current System

Arguments against the 25-18-15 scoring:

• The 7-point gap between P1 and P2 is considered too large
• Excessively favors dominant cars
• Makes some championships predictable

Arguments against sprints:

• Devalue traditional qualifying
• Points "too easy" to score
• Disrupt main race preparation

Alternative Proposals

Medal system (proposed in 2009):

• Title goes to driver with most wins
• Points used only as tiebreaker
• Rejected by teams

Reverse grid:

• Sprint with reversed championship grid
• Tested in F2, never adopted in F1

Points down to P15:

• Reward more drivers
• Under consideration for the future

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What's the maximum points you can score in a season?

With 24 races including 6 sprints in 2025, the theoretical maximum is 650 points: 26 points × 18 standard weekends (468) + 34 points × 6 sprint weekends (204) = 672 points. The current record is held by Max Verstappen with 575 points in 2023.

What happens in case of a points tie?

In case of a championship tie, the title goes to the driver with the most wins. If the tie persists, 2nd places are counted, then 3rd places, etc. This system nearly applied in 2021 before the final race.

Are points retroactive if a driver is disqualified?

Yes. If a driver is disqualified after the race, following drivers gain a position and corresponding points. This can modify the standings several days after a Grand Prix.

Why 25 points and not a round number?

The number 25 was chosen to create significant gaps between positions while allowing interesting championship mathematics. The 7-point gap with 2nd place (18 points) means a win is worth almost 1.5 times a 2nd place finish.

Has the fastest lap point ever been decisive?

Not yet for the world title, but it has influenced championship positions. In 2019, the first year of the system, Lewis Hamilton won 6 bonus points that could have been crucial in a tighter championship.

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The points system is the lifeblood of F1 competition. To understand how teams optimize their score, check out our articles on pit stop strategy and F1 penalties.